About Zimbabwe

FAQ

Currency

The official local currency within Zimbabwe is the United States Dollar, however often one can pay with South African Rand or Botswana Pula.

International Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa and MasterCard preferred – but American express is not widely accepted

ATM Machines are readily available within towns and cities throughout Zimbabwe with Visa and MasterCard accepted, however only certain banks will dispense cash (FNB, Barclays and Standard) Often they will not dispense more then USD 200 at a time and so don’t try and withdraw more then this as “funds not available” will be displayed and you withdrawal will be rejected.

ATM Machines within Zimbabwe distribute US Dollars only.

Visa requirements

The majority of travellers will need to pay for a visa for Zimbabwe and for most this can be bought at the border costing between USD 30 and USD 70 per person . Single, double & multiple entries can be purchased.

The visa requirements fall into 3 categories

Category A – those who don’t require a visa – most notably South Africa & Botswana residents

Category B – those who can buy at the border/airport– USD and most of Europe
USD 30 for USD /Europe. USD 70 for UK, Canada for single entries

Category C – those who must obtain visa in advance of arriving

Please advise us of your nationality on booking and we will let you know your requirements. Visas bought at border must be paid with USD cash and we recommend that you have correct denominations where possible.

Luggage restrictions

Due to the nature of small/light aircraft that are utilized for charter flights to the remote areas, luggage size and weight are strictly controlled – if the case is too big it just won’t fit in the hold !

Small aircraft allow a maximum of 20kg’s per person for luggage (inclusive of hand luggage) Bags to please be soft and easy to handle – Please note that large, hard suitcases and heavy luggage will not be accepted on light aircraft. Suitcases, oyster cases, and soft sided bags with trolley handles, metal frames and wheels do NOT constitute as soft bags and cannot fit in the luggage pods of the aircraft.

Luggage dimensions should not exceed 25cm (10 inches) wide, 30cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long. Anything larger and the luggage will unfortunately not fit in the aircraft’s baggage compartment. Please ensure that all luggage is soft-sided – Hard covered, rigid bags make it exceptionally difficult to load and unload in the aircraft luggage compartments.

Recommended luggage requirements for mobile camping safaris are as per the above 18 – 20kg’s per person in soft bags

Charter flights

For small internal flights and flights to remote, small airstrips we use several reliable air charter companies; Wilderness Air, Safari Logistics and Alt Air. They use a variety of aircraft –Cessna 206, Piper Navajo and Grand Caravans.

Safari Logistics offer a daily circuit from Victoria Falls, via Hwange to Matusadona and onto Mana Pools, returning at the end to Victoria Falls. This runs 3 times per week, Bumi Air run between Victoria Falls, Bumi Hills and Harare, four times per week.

Unless otherwise stipulated – All flights are booked on a ‘seat rate basis” – this means that the plane is shared with other clients and it is not a “private charter” To utilise the plane cost effectively, it could have up to 2 stopovers prior to your client reaching their final destination.

Flight times are scheduled no more than 48hours prior to travel, clients will be advised on their departure times by the camps and should be ready at least 30 minutes prior to these departure times.

Inter camp flights booked for single traveller’s will be subject to a 50% single supplement.

Road transfers

Zimbabwe ‘destinations’ are spread wide, so road transfers are becoming a well-priced alternative to charter flights.

We work with reputable companies offering minibus road transfers to most destinations. Road transfers from Livingstone and Lusaka into Zimbabwe are also possible.

Like charter flights – road transfers are booked on a seat rate basis for scheduled road transfers unless otherwise advised. Note that private transfer’s: for example from Kasane to Victoria Falls, are normally charged out on a minimum of 4 pax. In some instances a single supplement may be applied.

We work with Wild Horizons transfers within Victoria Falls and Livingstone who operate a efficient and reliable service. * Scheduled seat rate transfers may entail one or two stopovers prior to final destination.

Most road Transfers are conducted in small air conditioned mini buses but open 4×4 safari vehicles or saloon cars may be used dependant on destination and number of guests involved.

Travel Wild endeavours to only use bona-fide companies who are tourism registered and covered by public liability insurances.

Electricity

The electricity supply in Zimbabwe is 220/240v. The most common wall sockets require 3 pin round or 3 square pin plugs.

It is recommended that should guests require the use of electricity whilst in areas where electricity is supplied, that one carries International travel adaptors suitable with the above requirements.

Whilst on Mobile safari and within many of the remotely located lodges and bush camps, permanent electricity is not available. Lodges and bush camps run on generator and solar power supplies, therefore using inverter systems to provide a 220v power supply to tents and main lounge areas. Guests are able to use these power supplies to charge camera batteries and smaller electrical goods, however note hair dryers, electrical shaving devices etc will not be possible.

It is highly recommended that all guests carry additional and spare batteries whilst on safari and keep these recharged whenever possible.

Internet

Cellular phone coverage and internet connection is readily available in most towns and cities.

The majority of wilderness locations and lodges do not have cellular phone coverage or internet connection readily available to guests. A handful of lodges offer limited WI-FI connection to guests, but these are not common and inmost instances guests need to have their own laptops etc.

It is preferred that guests do not use Satellite phones/ cellular phones and or Skype connections whilst in the bush lodges as this disturbs other guests and in fact in most cases this is what everybody is trying to escape from – the outside world!

Whilst on Safari, emergency contact between the safari operators and office bases in towns is via Radio link and/or Satellite phone connections. Travel Wild will act as an emergency local contact at all times during a guest’s safari and will assist with all correspondence as and when necessary.

Self Driving

International driver’s licences are accepted in Zimbabwe for a maximum of 90 days.

Self driving in Zimbabwe is pretty easy, roads between cities and areas of interest are generally good but it must remembered that although mostly paved – some roads are considered pretty remote in that there is very little traffic, and with long distances between towns.

Make sure you top up your fuel at every opportunity and make sure you never have less then half a tank in reserve. Often one assumes there will be fuel in the next town and this is not always the case – the nearest fuel maybe 300kms away!

It is only when one gets into the remoter parks and reserves that experience in 4 wheel drive conditions are necessary and should guests be entering these areas, it is important to ensure that vehicles have: spare tyres/ additional fuel reserves/ and suitable equipment required such as shovels, tow ropes etc.

Both wildlife and livestock freely roam the main roads throughout Zimbabwe. Don’t drive at night unless in emergency and then be extra cautious and keep your speed to a minimum.

Water Levels

Water levels are continuously changing dependant on time of year, rainfall and flood levels of the Zambezi.

Remember that to see the falls properly it’s going to entail a 3 to 4 km walk and even in mid winter it can still be “hot”. Make sure you have comfortable shoes, always wear a hat, and take plenty of drinking water along.

From March – July water levels are considered high with huge volumes of water coming over the falls peaking in May – June. Visibility can be limited due to spray, but the visual and sensory impact is awesome. Remember to take a rain coat and umbrella! (These can be hired locally for a small fee – but check to make sure they work before walking off) make sure you have waterproof bags for camera equipment and important documents etc.

From August – Decemberwater levels gradually drop and the spray lessens to the extent that by October time, raincoats and umbrellas are not really needed. The actual views of the Falls and gorge are at their best although their “sensory impact” may be lessened. From September you will be hot – be prepared.

From January – February it is still hot but the local rains start to take effect, the river begins to rise although visibility is still good, the bush is at its greenest and the rainforest area is host to many migrant birds. There is a possibility of rain so it is advisable to take a long a raincoat.

Weather

Dependant on the time of your travel and where you are visiting, weather conditions may vary… The eastern part of the country are considered the Zimbabwe Highlands and temperatures never get as high as the rest of the country – but also get cooler for longer.

November to March – Are our summer months and rainy season here in Zimbabwe. Days and nights are generally hot with temperatures reaching in excess of 30c most days, as it is also the rainy season, heavy localized showers are to be expected.

April & May– Are generally considered the end of the rainy season, however one can still experience the odd rain shower. Temperatures are cooler than summer months, but days are hot and evenings/early mornings start to get cool

June to early September– Are our winter months here in Zimbabwe. Please note that the early mornings and evenings can get very cold here, with temperatures dropping below 10c, often colder in more desert like regions (Hwange and Bulawayo). The days are warm reaching +-25c.

Mid September & October– September is the end of the winter, evenings and early mornings can be cool but the days are rapidly warming. October and November day and night temperatures can reach 30 – 45c prior to the rainy season.

Health

Parts of Zimbabwe are endemic malaria areas, (especially the Zambezi Valley region) you are therefore required to take all necessary precautions. Prior to arrival please contact your local doctor/tropical disease hospital for the latest information on recommended prophylactics etc.

If you suffer flu like symptoms within 6 weeks of returning home – we strongly recommend that you visit your doctor and tell him that you have been in a malaria area. Most lodges and safari companies will supply you with mosquito repellent however, we do recommend that you carry this with you as well.

AIDS is prevalent throughout Africa and we strongly recommend you practice safe sex – abstain or always wear a condom!

What to Pack

The most important piece of clothing you can pack is a hat! Forget those peak caps that only cover your face. Bring along a floppy hat that helps cover your face, neck and collar area – an added bonus is that they can be squashed into bags and hold-alls and packed anywhere.

Depending upon the time of year you are travelling to Zimbabwe, lightweight clothing in neutral colours such as cotton and cotton blends are most suitable. During winter and rainy season months, warm/windproof jackets are strongly recommended. The winter months May – August can get very cold in early mornings and late afternoons especially on game drives! During these months we recommend you travel “in layers” so you can put on, or take off clothing as the temperature changes

Walking shoes and Sandals are recommended whilst in the bush areas, so to are swimming trunks/costumes as most lodges and hotels have pools. For evenings we suggest light weight neutral long sleeved shirts and trousers as this assists in the protection against mosquitos.

Regarding Camera equipment, we strongly recommend that you ensure you carry sufficient camera film or memory cards for your cameras. Once on safari there are very few places to purchase these.

We do recommend that you carry sufficient battery chargers and extra batteries, as although in many places these can be charged, there may be times when this is not possible. Equipment needs to be kept in soft sided cases and we recommend you carry this with you on planes.

Safety

Zimbabweans are hard a working, trustworthy people who want tourists to visit – they will go of their way to make you feel welcome. The country is a very safe travel destination.

Common sense and “thou shall not tempt” pretty much says it all. Every big city in every country has “bad areas” where crime is more prevalent. Our best advice is be extra cautious at night – in any city.

Once on safari such problems are extremely rare. It is however, a good idea to leave valuables such as expensive jewellery, watches etc at home, therefore eliminating any temptation for possible thievery.

We recommend luggage locks on all checked luggage when travelling through international airports and on other public transport.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement that all guests travelling to Zimbabwe be adequately covered by comprehensive travel insurance to cover all aspects of their holiday.

International flights/ loss & theft/medical requirements/damage and cancellation etc. We would recommend guests organise travel insurance in home country

Travel Wild is covered by comprehensive liability insurance for up to 20 million Botswana Pula per incident.

Country Information

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Victoria Falls

Wildlife Trust

Why choose Zimbabwe?

What makes Zimbabwe different ?

Zimbabwe offers an unforgettable safari destination for the first time safari traveler and the seasoned safari enthusiast.

Zimbabwe is a diverse safari and holiday destination not just for the ardent nature lover but for families and kids too; from the Highlands in the East, the Matobo Hills, Victoria Falls and the world renowned National Parks of Hwange, Matusadona and Mana Pools.

Zimbabwe lends itself to self drive safaris as the infrastructure is good, the places of interest not far apart and roads well maintained. The country is renowned for having the best guides in the business. They pride themselves on their knowledge and professionalism and getting you up close and personal.

Zimbabwe parks are walking country, there is no better place for a walking safari – from a fixed lodge or from a mobile safari – this is the utopia for those who want to experience “raw Africa with sweat on your brow, dust on your clothes, and adrenaline pumping through your veins.

From canoeing safaris on the mighty Zambezi, to horseback riding in the rugged mountain ranges, to luxury house-boating on Lake Kariba… Zimbabwe offers unparalleled diversity.

About Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980 and was formerly known as Rhodesia. The country has had it’s fair share of ups and downs over the past 30 or so years and is just now back on the road to recovery.

We love this place that is described as “a world in one country” – there really is a buzz around and everybody is positive and they are going out of their way to promote tourism. The people are nice, the climate is good and the safari options are fantastic!

Zimbabweans are the most welcoming, generous and loving people. 70% of the population is made up of Shona and Ndebele people – who are enthusiastic, warm, friendly and inviting – making for a safe and enjoyable holiday. Everybody speaks English well, and are a delight to get to know and work with.

The game reserves are some of the best in Africa. Where else can you walk up to lion and elephant, go on game-drives (night and day) take a sunset cruise and paddle your canoe between basking crocodiles and pods of hippo while buffalo graze a few meters away .

Internationally known for having the world’s best guides and with 5 world Heritage sites, good infrastructure and superb and diverse safari destinations, Zimbabwe is a fantastic holiday destination. With good roads and loads of interesting places to visit – it is great for self drive and escorted tours and for those people with less time – most of the lodges have their own good bush airstrips for charter flights to utilize.